How to Air Fry Baked Potatoes (Crispy Skin and Fluffy Insides)

When to Pressure Cook or Air Fry Baked Potatoes?

In our testing, we found that potatoes “baked” in a pressure cooker have the softest, fluffiest, most tender centers we’ve ever had. 

By contrast, the air fryer baked potatoes have the best crispy crunchy skins. 

Therefore, since the potato skins are the star of the show, we’ve included a few steps in the recipe to make them extra amazing:

• Salting with salt water makes the skins evenly salty in every bite.
• Oiling when the cooking is nearly done allows the skins to dry out, then crisp up (and avoids them becoming leathery). 

What Oil Should I Use for Air Fryer Baked Potatoes?

It is super important to choose an oil with a high smoke point and a neutral flavor. 

We used avocado oil when we tested this recipe. 

You can also use olive oil, as long as you’re choosing a high heat variety, or even canola oil. 

Not all oils are created equal! Look for one that specifically says “high smoke point” or “high heat” on the label. If the label has “virgin” or “unrefined” on it (like extra virgin olive oil), it likely has a lower smoke point.

What Potatoes Should I Air Fry?

This recipe calls for russet baking potatoes (aka Idaho potatoes). These potatoes have a low moisture content, which makes them perfect for baking.

If you prefer, you can use large Yukon Gold potatoes in this recipe. Just know that their skins are a little thinner, so you won’t get the same crisp skin. 

How Long Should I Air Fry Baked Potatoes?

How long to air fry your baked potatoes depends on the size of the potato. 

This recipe calls for 8 ounce potatoes, which we cooked for 30 minutes, then added oil, then cooked another 10 minutes. 

If your potatoes are larger, you will need to cook them longer. 

For 12 ounce potatoes, in our testing we cooked for 40 minutes, then added the oil, then cooked for another 10 minutes.

For 16 ounce potatoes, in our testing we cooked for 50 minutes, then added the oil, then cooked for another 10 minutes.  

We also tested this recipe with the largest potato we could find, which was 20 ounces. That enormous potato took 60 minutes in the air fryer, then we oiled it and finished it for another 10 minutes. 

Ideally, if you use an instant read thermometer, the potatoes are ready to oil when the centers of the potatoes reach 190F. Then, remove the potatoes from the air fryer when they are between 205 and 212F.

Note: The exact timing on this recipe will depend on your specific air fryer brand and type. We tested this recipe and had similar timings with both our Cosori Turbo Blaze and our Instant Vortex.

What to Serve with Baked Potatoes?

Mains: Baked potatoes are the perfect side to practically any grilled meat! (Think Baby Back Ribs, Chicken Wings or Drumsticks/Legs.) If you’re doing Sous Vide Steak, the air fryer makes a great alternative while your pressure cooker is busy.) 

Sides: Corn on the Cob is the perfect pair in the summertime. Asparagus, Green Beans, and steamed broccoli are great options as well.

Or, just make the whole thing into a loaded baked potato! Top with all of the classics—plenty of butter and sour cream (or plain greek yogurt), bacon, and shredded cheese. Go even bigger by adding leftover shredded chicken, pulled pork, or chili.

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